Thank you for contacting me about the coronavirus and its impact on the arts.
The Government believes it was necessary to take strong action to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This included the closing of pubs, clubs, bars and theatres, which I recognise has had a major impact on those who rely on these venues for their livelihoods. That is why I welcome the major support package rolled out by the Treasury for businesses and individuals, including artists and other self-employed people. Looking ahead, it is most welcome that we are starting to emerge from the other side of the outbreak and are seeing many businesses reopen.
I strongly welcome the £1.57 billion rescue package that has been announced to help Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries weather the impact of coronavirus. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.
The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic and will also benefit those who work in the sector. Further details about the package can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-br…
To further support businesses operating in the hospitality and leisure sector, there will be an automatic business rates holiday for one year. In addition, the Retail and Hospitality Grant Scheme provides businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with property with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000 with a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property. For businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief they will receive a grant of £10,000.
I welcome the establishment of the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, which is made up of experts from the creative, tech and sporting worlds. The Taskforce is led by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and is working on how to help the cultural and leisure sectors of our economy bounce back.
As part of the taskforce, an Entertainment and Events Working Group has brought together representatives from around the country to develop advice and guidance on the reopening of cultural venues across the nation, helping to get employees back to work and audiences once again enjoying our thriving cultural sector. The working group includes representatives from regional and London-based theatres, performing arts and other creative organisations as well as medical advisors.
To help individuals within all affected sectors of the economy, the Self-employment Income Support Scheme is available to support self-employed workers, including members of partnerships, whose income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The scheme provides a grant to self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80 per cent of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Applications for the first grant were open until 13 July. Applications for the second grant open on 17 August.
Under this second and final grant, eligible individuals can claim a taxable grant worth 70 per cent of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profit, and capped at £6,570 in total.
The eligibility criteria are the same for both grants, and individuals will need to confirm that their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus when applying for the second and final grant. An individual does not need to have claimed the first grant in order to be eligible for the second and final grant.
Since 13 March, those self-isolating because of coronavirus have been able to claim Statutory Sick Pay, worth £94.25 per week. Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits are also being increased, and it is being made easier to apply for Universal Credit. Those facing difficulties because of coronavirus will also be eligible for a mortgage or rental holiday for three months. Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will also be automatically deferred to January 2021.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
August 2020